COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 58

March 12, 2004

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Russian International Space Olympics for Students

The Virginia Department of Education and the Education Department of Korolev, Russia, announce the 2004 Russian International Space Olympics. This program provides an opportunity for 10 Virginia students who will be juniors or seniors during the 2004-2005 school year to participate in the International Space Olympics in the Moscow suburb of Korolev during October 2004.

Students will compete in the Space Olympics by presenting an oral presentation of their research project and participating in selected tests in physics, mathematics, computer science, and literature. Highlights of the visit will include the opportunity to talk to scientists and cosmonauts and to interact with students from Russia and other countries. Students will also participate in a variety of cultural activities.

Students who are selected to participate will receive a scholarship for $1,800. This scholarship covers all major costs of participating in the Space Olympics including air transportation to Russia, meals, and housing during the International Space Olympics competition. All interested students are encouraged to apply for the International Space Olympics. Students should anticipate some additional expenses such as attendance at two mandatory, pre-trip orientation sessions, passport costs, ground transportation to the airport from their homes, and discretionary spending money.

The International Space Olympics is approximately a two-week trip to the Moscow region of Russia. Participants are tentatively scheduled to leave the United States on October 19, 2004, and return on October 31,2004.

Applicants must obtain permission to participate in this program from their parents and school divisions. Selected students and a parent must agree to attend two one-day training seminars in Richmond before the departure date. The seminars will provide orientation and background materials for the trip.

The opportunity to participate will be competitive, based on a students research project, grades/courses taken, and videotaped project presentation. The student-produced research project should be on the topic of space exploration.

The International Space Olympics application form is attached to this memorandum. An announcement of the International Space Olympics and application form will also be mailed to mathematics and science contact persons and high school principals before the end of March.

If you have questions regarding this program, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Beverly Thurston (bthursto@pen.k12.va.us), specialist for history/social sciences and international education, Office of Middle Instructional Services, at (804) 225-2893.

JLD/yba

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